Chris Oyakhilome Foundation Invest $1.5m To Impact African Youths Through FALA Award

The Chris Oyakhilome Foundation has invested $1.5 million in empowering African youth through the Future Africa Leaders Award (FALA). This significant investment underscores the foundation’s commitment to fostering leadership and development across Africa.

This was made known by a member of the Central Executive Council, Loveworld Inc., Pastor TT Temisan on Friday at a press conference in Lagos while introducing the 10 winners to the media.

Pastor Temisan, said the Future Africa Leaders Award has become a platform that opens doors for young Africans both in their respective countries and internationally.

The FALA award, an initiative by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, recognizes and supports young Africans who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and drive positive change in their communities. Since its inception in 2013, FALA has become a beacon of hope, shining a spotlight on the immense potential of Africa’s youth and providing them with the resources and platform to make a lasting impact.

Through FALA, the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s future by nurturing and empowering the next generation of leaders. By investing in their potential, the foundation is helping to create a brighter and more prosperous future for the continent.

The star prize winner of the Future Africa Leaders Award for this year edition was Julienne Ariori from Benin Republic.

She stood out for her exceptional efforts in driving social change and empowering lives across her community. Her ground-breaking initiatives earned her the night’s honour and widespread applause

The President and Founder of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, presented awards to the 10 winners of the Future Africa Leaders Award (FALA) 2024 during the New Year’s Eve Service. The moment was further elevated as the esteemed Pastor TT Temisan announced the winners’ names, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.

The atmosphere was electrifying, brimming with hope and anticipation, as the audience witnessed the unveiling of Africa’s future stars.

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Since its inception in 2013, the Future Africa Leaders’ Award, an innovation by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, has become an integral highlight of every New Year’s Eve Service. This prestigious accolade recognizes young African leaders for their commitment to driving progress and fostering development across the continent.

In the lead-up to the awards, 30 outstanding young African leaders were nominated. The winners were honored during the ceremony, receiving their awards directly from the President of LoveWorld, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.

Each of the 30 nominees, representing diverse African nations, stands as a testament to the power of vision and dedication. Among them, one exceptional individual is crowned the Star Award Winner, receiving $25,000 as a token of encouragement. The other nominees are also awarded $10,000 each, generously provided by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the founder and chief motivator of the Future Africa Leaders Awards.

Addressing the global audience, Pastor Chris remarked:

“Sometimes people debate whether leaders are born or raised. But whether they are born, they must be raised. Following the Master’s teachings—‘train up a child in the way it should go’—we see the need to raise leaders.”

Adding to the event’s grandeur, His Excellency Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, delivered an inspiring address at the FALA 2024 ceremony.

He charged the winners with these memorable words:

“Go home and create awardees like you!”

Chief Obasanjo lauded the winners as the new faces of Africa’s bright future, describing them as bold, courageous, and the true pride of the continent.

Catalyst for Change: FALA 2023 Winner

The remarkable achievements of last year’s FALA Star Winner, Mariama Gendemeh from Sierra Leone, set a high standard for leadership and youth empowerment. Her work demonstrates the transformative potential of young leaders in Africa.

The Future Africa Leaders Foundation website highlights her accomplishments:

“Mariama Gendemeh from Sierra Leone is a 23-year-old farmer, philanthropist, and the Executive Director of Fresh Veggies Agro Company Limited. 

The company created jobs for 15 youths and generated $1,200, with 40% of the income going to community feeding programs. She facilitated food and relief item distribution to 3,000 people across 10 communities.

Her ‘Save the Malnourished Kids’ project reaches over 10,000 children annually, and her ‘Orange Fresh Sweet Potatoes’ initiative benefits 12 women’s groups in six communities, sustaining school feeding programs. Mariama’s company boasts a 50-hectare rice farm and the largest vegetable farm in Kenema. She has spearheaded several outreach programs in 110 communities.

Mariama also organized the ‘She Leads’ summit, empowering 500 girls with leadership skills in six schools. Through advocacy, she and other female leaders championed 30% inclusivity of women in governance, resulting in key appointments and wins during the 2023 general elections.”

TOP 10 WINNERS OF FALA 2024

NTUNG NGELA LANDON

Ntung Ngela Landon, a 23-year-old technology innovator from Cameroon, is using technology to drive change in her community. She designed an automatic irrigation system prototype, benefiting over 100 large-scale farmers by improving crop growth, farm surveys, and reducing labor. The project also engaged 20 engineering students in practical prototype development.

Landon’s research on 2,055 pregnant women led to the creation of Fetal-Care, a system that enables women, especially those in remote areas, to monitor fetal health from home and communicate with medical professionals. The system has already supported 15 women. She also developed Safe-Me, a flood monitoring system that detects rising water levels in flood-prone areas, alerting nearby populations.

Her innovative solutions have earned recognition from the Minister of Higher Education in Cameroon and the Vice President of Innovation at Oral Roberts University. Landon was also awarded the Leadership Initiative (LIA) Award for her remarkable impact.

Through her World Engineering Day campaigns, Landon has impacted 500 aspiring engineers. She organized seminars for 850 freshmen, provided internships for 100 students, and reached over 7,500 students through her Strategic Training Program for School Prefects. 

Landon’s leadership extends to humanitarian work, including supporting 150 displaced families.

FAVOUR EFFIONG

Favour Bassey Effiong, a 19-year-old visionary from Cross River State, Nigeria, has turned her experience as a survivor of teenage sexual assault into a powerful mission to combat sex trafficking, gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, teenage pregnancy, and unemployment. Her work has positively impacted over 400,000 people across Nigeria, Uganda, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.

In response to rising teenage pregnancy in Nigeria, Favour launched the Save The Girl Campaign, reaching over 500,000 people through healthcare programs, scholarships, and awareness initiatives. The campaign rehabilitated 506 teenage mothers, rescued 48 abused teenagers, and provided educational support to over 1,100 children. Her Stop the Cut campaign against Female Genital Mutilation led to policy changes and united global leaders. 

Favour’s innovative SwiftAid app offers emergency responses for victims of sexual offenses and tracks offender prosecution, with over 300 successful interventions. She has empowered over 100 women with financial literacy, raised $2,000 to construct boreholes to address water shortages, and provided scholarships and materials to 50 underprivileged children. 

Her efforts also include renovating libraries, donating over 60,000 books, and creating better learning environments for 40,000 students. As a Leadership Initiative Award (LIA) Ambassador, she has mentored 27,000 students and distributed over 10,000 relief materials. Favour has also spoken at multiple international summits, advocating for youth involvement in nation-building.

JULIENNE ARIORI

Julienne Ariori, a 23-year old visionary young leader from Benin Republic, is committed to creating a sustainable and self-sufficient future for Africa. Her initiatives focus on environmental conservation, healthy living, and youth empowerment through education and innovation.

Julienne launched the “GMOs, Pesticides, STOP!” program, she locally sourced for materials and manufactured bio-pesticides thus reducing harmful chemical use by 30%. She distributed over 200 containers of the bio-pesticides to 500 market gardeners.. She also organized the seminar “GMOs, Let’s Talk About Them” at the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, reaching 500 students and promoting organic farming. She also sourced for organic materials and produced toothpaste. Her MoringaFresh toothpaste provided a fluoride-free option and raised over $9,500 to produce and distribute samples.

Her belief in education is evident through her involvement in the “My Seed, My Life” campaign. She also organized the agricultural holiday program in Adjarra, training 1,000 youths in sustainable farming. As CEO of African Green Initiative Centers (AGIC), she led the transformation of waste into bio-gas and eco-friendly coal, winning the FIC 2023 Best Initiative Award.

Julienne organized GreenAthon2023, educating over a million viewers on waste management. On International Education Day, she empowered 1,300 students at the University of Abomey-Calavi and awarded 15 scholarships worth $15,000. 

Her influence extends beyond the Republic of Benin, collaborating with youth leaders and ministries to address environmental challenges.

MAWADA ABDALLA

Mawada Abdalla, a 23-year-old tech advocate from Benghazi, Libya, has become a beacon of hope and transformation in her community. With over 4,500 individuals empowered through her initiatives, Mawada’s dedication to education, career development, and social change has unlocked opportunities for countless youth.

As leader of the TechShip program, she has provided 250 young people with vital technical and entrepreneurial skills, preparing them to excel in today’s competitive job market. Her Hour of Code initiative teaches 150 scout girls annually, and is breaking gender barriers in STEM, inspiring a new generation of women in technology. Her TechTalk series has engaged over 720 participants, fostering curiosity about technological advancements, while her Career Drive program equips 100 individuals each year with tools for professional success.

Mawada’s leadership extends beyond education. During Storm Daniel, she spearheaded a crisis response project, assisting 2,642 individuals in need, showcasing her resourcefulness. She also organized Benghazi’s first DevFest, uniting 150 tech enthusiasts to drive collaboration and innovation, and her annual Youth Day inspires pride and purpose among the city’s youth.

From job fairs to advocacy for women’s empowerment, Mawada’s initiatives are reshaping Benghazi, proving that education and technology are powerful tools for community transformation.

ISRAEL MAJAK YEL

Israel Majak Yel, is a 24-year-old from South Sudan who has made remarkable strides in empowering young people through technology, education, and mentorship. He has led initiatives such as Youth Empowerment through Technology, Leadership Training programs, and Success Motivation Conferences, and founded FALF Youth Clubs, reaching over 11,000 youths in 10 government schools.

His work with the State Ministry of General Education has been transformative. He trained 7 departmental directors and established computer labs in 7 government schools. His tireless efforts have advanced technology integration in South Sudan’s education sector, with more partners providing ICT equipment to enhance learning.

Israel’s impact extends to orphaned youths. He has trained 60 young people at Juba Hope Orphanage in ICT and graphics design through a 2-month Program. His “Youth Empowerment through Technology Project” in Jebel Yesua impacted 60 orphaned street children, equipping them with essential skills for the future.

Through the “Girls in Tech Project,” he has trained over 300 girls in ICT, web design, graphic design, and video editing, inspiring many to pursue related careers. Additionally, his collaboration with the Ministry of Health, National Blood Bank, and South Sudan Red Cross led to a successful blood drive campaign, resulting in 5 liters of blood donated, reaching 30 individuals.

Israel’s commitment to empowering youths through his diverse initiatives continues to shape a brighter future for South Sudan, making him a beacon of innovation, leadership, and hope.

ANNAKIJIET JOAN

Anneckjiet Joan Kapomba, a 23-year-old visionary from Malawi, is dedicated to developing Africa by empowering individuals and communities. She aims to inspire children and young women to leverage their abilities, regardless of background, to create value. Anneckjiet founded TIWAFIKIRE, a birthday outreach to elderly people, which evolved into impactful projects. These include career guidance for youth in schools and supporting 60 girls at Nasenga Secondary School through the “Girls Get Back to School” initiative. This project, addressing school dropouts due to teenage pregnancies and early marriages, helped over 900 students re-enroll, boosting girls’ school attendance in Mangochi District by 85%.

Her initiatives also support students with disabilities by improving infrastructure and paying school fees for 150 students each term. Anneckjiet is developing a free mobile app for national exam resources to benefit students across Malawi. Additionally, she launched skills development classes in soap making, manure production, and baking to address Malawi’s foreign exchange crisis, benefitting 8,000 individuals. 

Anneckjiet has also established 127 village banks with over 600 women, creating economic opportunities through agrobusiness and local production. She promoted malaria awareness through mosquito net distribution and runs regular humanitarian outreach programs for the elderly, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and orphans, impacting over 200 individuals since her 18th birthday.

AKRAM SEBAI

Akram Sebai, a 21-year-old business student from Morroco, has built an impressive portfolio of civic leadership, combining his academic pursuits with a passion for community development. From aiding orphans and children with special needs to championing democracy and youth empowerment, Akram exemplifies the synergy between knowledge and service. He is determined to leverage his business education to foster sustainable development in his community.

During a pivotal gap year, Akram dedicated himself to volunteerism and community service, leading to his selection for the American Leadership Academy, a 7-month U.S. Embassy-funded program. Inspired by this experience, he founded SOUL in 2022, an academic club uniting students passionate about extracurricular activities and voluntary work. SOUL has grown to over 150 members, supporting more than 700 children through workshops, events, and aid, earning recognition as the Best Impactful Initiative of 2023 in Tangier.

As Regional Coordinator and HR Manager at the Youth Policy Center (YPC), Akram collaborates with global organizations, including the Danish Youth Council (DUF). He oversees initiatives like the Political Leadership Academy, empowering over 600 Moroccan youths, and spearheaded a study on youth political disengagement, reshaping political agendas.

Through the MEPI Student Leaders Program, Akram addressed critical issues like water scarcity in Morocco. With a leadership style rooted in adaptability, empathy, and inclusivity, Akram is committed to scaling his impact globally, and inspiring sustainable change.

JESSICA LEONOR BALDE

Jéssica Leonor Sampaio Balde is a remarkable 25-year-old medical doctor from Guinea-Bissau, who is making extraordinary impact in her community, particularly in the health sector. She pioneered an innovative project that facilitated virtual consultations between patients in Guinea-Bissau and specialists in the United States, providing vital assistance to over 300 medical cases.

Her collaboration with the “Access to Specialist Knowledge” NGO enabled her to offer patients regular health checks, diet advice, and insulin medication while supporting over 100 doctors with invaluable expertise.

Jéssica’s impact goes beyond healthcare—through the RIBA project she co-founded, she has built strong partnerships between organizations from two countries, empowering over 50 women to pursue education or careers. Her leadership workshops have benefited over 500 young people, while her non-profit business workshops have inspired further growth and development.

Additionally, Jéssica has organized 9 medical outreaches, providing free consultations and medication to over 1,348 people across 5 regions in Guinea-Bissau, including—Gabu, Cantchungu, SaFIM, Biombo, and Bissau.

Her research on herbal medicine, including data collected from 339 patients, has contributed to important medical awareness in her country. 

Jéssica promotes cultural exchange, youth leadership, and volunteerism, inspiring a generation to excel in both education and leadership.

A true catalyst for change, Jéssica’s work exemplifies the power of the African youth to create lasting societal impact. Her dream to build a foundation for youth advancement in education and careers stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity.

COLLINS MWANGI

Collins Mwangi Karungo is a 23-year-old visionary leader from Kenya who is driven by a passion for solving societal challenges and uplifting communities. In Kiambaa Constituency, Kiambu County, where students often walk barefoot to school, Collins founded TEKE, a shoe company that produces affordable, high-quality shoes. He has distributed over 1,000 custom-made shoes to students in 35 schools. TEKE aims to reach one million students, thereby reducing shoe imports into Kenya while creating jobs. The company has employed 40 youths thus far.

In 2021, Collins launched a program to combat hunger and poverty in Kiambu. This monthly food and household distribution campaign has benefited over 150,000 people, including widows and vulnerable families.

Collins also addresses drug abuse through partnerships with Dignified Future and NACADA, providing treatment, rehabilitation, and employment opportunities to over 200,000 youths. Additionally, he co-founded SYNOD, which has reached over 100,000 people through educational sensitization programs.

His “Light Your Nation” campaign has mentored over 90,000 boys, and his success motivation seminars have impacted more than 200,000 people. Through partnerships with organizations like Loveworld Volunteer Medical Corps, Collins has supported orphanages and helped over 2,000 elderly people in need. 

Collins Mwangi Karungo’s commitment to change continues to inspire and uplift communities across Kenya and all of Africa.

FADY ATEF

Fady Atef Yousry, a 21-year-old Egyptian humanitarian, exemplifies how compassion, initiative, and selflessness can transform lives and inspire hope. Through his remarkable efforts, Fady has impacted thousands, proving that intentional acts of kindness can create lasting change.

Fady’s unwavering dedication led him to distribute essential supply boxes to over 12,000 individuals, offering critical sustenance to families during their most challenging moments. Partnering with churches, he also distributed 6,000 spiritual guidance materials, addressing emotional and spiritual needs while fostering resilience and hope.

His humanitarian spirit extended to using personal resources—most notably his motorcycle—to provide free transportation to over 200 individuals and assist stranded motorists, ensuring compassion reached people in need. Fady also spearheaded street-cleaning initiatives, revitalizing public spaces and inspiring community pride. His work gained the support of local authorities, amplifying the impact of his efforts.

A particularly touching project was the renovation of a struggling shop, where Fady’s thoughtful transformations restored the owner’s pride and livelihood. Beyond these acts, he empowered thousands through 40 episodes on spirituality, self-development, and education, spreading knowledge and inspiration.

Fady’s legacy of kindness and vision continues to inspire, proving that even small acts can create profound change.